Head Canons And Lister's Sexuality

[janamelie.livejournal.com]

We all have them, but some are more deeply entrenched than others.  The recent plethora of BDSM fic (thank you, Kronette and Felineranger) made me realise that I have problems imagining Lister as a natural, dyed in the wool submissive, which *spoiler* is a major aspect of "Lessons In Heroics", even though it's an alternate version of him.

(Kronette, this is not a criticism of your fic in any way.  You can write whatever the hell you like and I'm finding the story riveting regardless.) :)

Those who are following this story will know that, on the list of disquieting aspects, an alternate version of Lister being an enthusiastic sub is so far down it shouldn't even register, but somehow it does for me.  I think it's because his usual character is so anti rules and regulations that it's hard to imagine BDSM being a fundamental part of his sexuality.  Which isn't to say I can't see him enjoying it (as in "FSOS") but enjoying and needing are different.

I apologise in advance if my ramblings offend anyone.  I don't mean to imply that there's anything wrong with being a natural sub or Dom, just that it's not how I interpret his character.  I can imagine either of Rimmer though.

Does anyone else have head canons which you thought were casual until you read a fic which contradicted them?

Comments

[rosecathy1.livejournal.com]

<3 Very similar to my view.

I think (this is my related rambling now, not to put words in your mouth) he and Rimmer differ in how far they're initially willing to go with their own bodies and sexuality. This is part of why I tend to write Lister as bottoming and/or taking on a submissive role, at least to start — I see him saying "This feels good, I want to do more" without agonising too much over his masculinity, etc. Within the same background of love/trust/safety in which this happens, Rimmer could also enjoy doing subby things, but it might take some time.

[janamelie.livejournal.com]

Obviously when I refer to being submissive, I'm not only referring to who goes on top. But I agree that it's much easier to imagine Lister responding to what his body enjoys without freaking out over whether it lessens his manhood and all that crap. I wonder actually if his sex life with Lise Yates, which we're told was fantastic, might have involved her taking the lead sometimes. ;)

Whereas Rimmer would need a lot more coaxing to even engage in man-on-man action let alone anything more complicated.

[rosecathy1.livejournal.com]

Oh, definitely. I was trying to convey the separation with the "and/or". :) As a follow-up, Lister (IMO) would be more willing to be vulnerable as well, emotionally and sexually. Such a romantic. :p

Domme-ish Lise Yates...now that's an idea.

[janamelie.livejournal.com]

http://starbuggers.livejournal.com/317.html?thread=127293#t127293

*Cough* Kink Meme prompt. *Cough* ;)

[felineranger.livejournal.com]

Oh, I think Listy definitely appreciates a lady who can take charge now and then. Pete Tranters sister, anyone?

[janamelie.livejournal.com]

Good point - the actress was dressed rather like a dominatrix, even setting aside the way she confidently took command. And that was a Psiren doing things it knew would turn him on. ;)

The more I think about Lister's sexuality the harder it is to categorise. Let's just say "flexible and adaptable". :)